Regular buses to and from [[Messina]] and [[Catania]]. Ticket for express bus from [[Catania]] Bus Station costs around 3,70 Euros.

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Regular buses to and from [[Messina]] and [[Catania]]. Ticket for express bus from [[Catania]] Bus Station costs around 3,70 Euros. Catania airport to Taormina bus station at Via Luigi Pirandello is € 7.90 per person. A taxi to the center of Taormina, which is uphill is approx € 10.00

===By plane===

===By plane===

Look for flights to Catania. There you can rent a car to get to Taormina.

Look for flights to Catania. There you can rent a car to get to Taormina.

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As an alternative, to avoid any inconvenience on arrival you can book a private transfer online upfront. There is a company, which offer this service from Catania airport, such as:

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* [http://123transfers.com/en/service/from_catania-airport_to_taormina 123Transfers] has Catania Fontanarossa Airport to Taormina at €86.62 for a Mercedes E class, €100.50 for a minivan

===By Ship===

===By Ship===

Line 38:

Line 42:

==See==

==See==

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*'''Teatro Greco''' - impressive open-air (mainly ''Roman(!)'') theatre, with great views up and down the coast and across to [[Mount Etna]]. Entrance fee &euro;6.00.

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*'''Teatro Greco''' - impressive open-air (mainly ''Roman(!)'') theatre, with great views up and down the coast and across to [[Mount Etna]]. Entrance fee &euro;8.00.

*The '''Torre dell'Orogio''' clock tower.

*The '''Torre dell'Orogio''' clock tower.

Line 45:

Line 49:

*Wander up and down the main street - '''Corso Umberto I''' taking in the sights

*Wander up and down the main street - '''Corso Umberto I''' taking in the sights

*Purchase a mulberry ("gelsi" in Italian) granite, or other delicious ice cream

*Purchase a mulberry ("gelsi" in Italian) granite, or other delicious ice cream

*<eat name="Ristorante pizzeria Mirage" alt="" address="Via Roma 13" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Located on a terrace just next to the hotel Monte Tauro. Excellent food, good service and a spectacular view of the Naxos bay with Mount Etna on the background.</eat>

*'''The Dolphins Guest House''' has a number of single, double and triple bed rooms starting from 25 euros. Good location, spacious, and clean accommodation for all travellers. [http://www.thedolphinsguesthouse.com/].

*'''The Dolphins Guest House''' has a number of single, double and triple bed rooms starting from 25 euros. Good location, spacious, and clean accommodation for all travellers. [http://www.thedolphinsguesthouse.com/].

*'''Grand Hotel Timeo''', Via Teatro Greco, 59, + 39 0942 23801 [http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/italy/taormina/grand-hotel-timeo.html?action=search]. In 1906 it housed the Grand Hotel Timeo Guillermo II of Hohenzollern, Duke of Prussia and the Emperor of Germany, and in his honour the most prestigious suite in the hotel is dedicated to him. It is located in a park approximately 20.000 metres squared. Other NH Hotels in Taormina[http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/italy/taormina.html?action=search&event=1&stype=1&country=IT&city=39008&hotel=0&stext=&nrooms=1&nadults=2&nchilds=0&webrate=1&fini=&fout=&searchEngine=1]

*'''Grand Hotel Timeo''', Via Teatro Greco, 59, + 39 0942 23801 [http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/italy/taormina/grand-hotel-timeo.html?action=search]. In 1906 it housed the Grand Hotel Timeo Guillermo II of Hohenzollern, Duke of Prussia and the Emperor of Germany, and in his honour the most prestigious suite in the hotel is dedicated to him. It is located in a park approximately 20.000 metres squared. Other NH Hotels in Taormina[http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/italy/taormina.html?action=search&event=1&stype=1&country=IT&city=39008&hotel=0&stext=&nrooms=1&nadults=2&nchilds=0&webrate=1&fini=&fout=&searchEngine=1]

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*'''Hotel Villa Caterina''', Via Silipigni, 17, 98039 Taormina (MESSINA), Ph. +39 0942.24709, Fax +39 0942.24709 [http://www.hotelvillagaia.com/en/index.htm]. Among the sweet scents and colors of Sicily, a warm hospitality in a dream setting. A splendid villa immersed in greenery, just a few steps away from the sea and the old town center of Taormina. Twin room from 102€.

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*'''Hotel Villa Caterina''', Via Silipigni, 17, 98039 Taormina (MESSINA), Ph. +39 0942 24709, Fax +39 0942 24709 [http://www.hotelvillagaia.com/en/index.htm]. Among the sweet scents and colors of Sicily, a warm hospitality in a dream setting. A splendid villa immersed in greenery, just a few steps away from the sea and the old town center of Taormina. Twin room from 102€.

*'''Hotel Villa Gaia''', Via Fazzello, 34, 98039 Taormina (MESSINA), Ph. +39 0942 23185, Fax +39 0942 23185 [http://www.hotelvillagaia.com/en/index.htm]. The 2** Hotel Villa Gaia is situated in the historic center of Taormina, just 30 meters from the Duomo, a splendid example of sixteenth-century Gothic architecture, and the famous Corso Umberto I, the most elegant street in the city, with its high fashion boutiques and antique shops. Single room from 85€, double from 120€.

*'''Hotel Villa Gaia''', Via Fazzello, 34, 98039 Taormina (MESSINA), Ph. +39 0942 23185, Fax +39 0942 23185 [http://www.hotelvillagaia.com/en/index.htm]. The 2** Hotel Villa Gaia is situated in the historic center of Taormina, just 30 meters from the Duomo, a splendid example of sixteenth-century Gothic architecture, and the famous Corso Umberto I, the most elegant street in the city, with its high fashion boutiques and antique shops. Single room from 85€, double from 120€.

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*'''Hotel Villa Il Glicine''', Viale S. Pancrazio 25-27, 98039 Taormina (MESSINA), Ph. 0039 0942 23112 , Fax 0039 0942 628515 [http://www.villailglicinetaormina.com/]. The Villa Il Glicine is a group of family sized luxury apartments with private terraces and facilities and the services of the nearby 3 star Hotel Jonic for extra convenience. Full kitchen facilities and home comforts are all provided in this brand new structure.

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*'''Hotel Villa Il Glicine''', Viale S. Pancrazio 25-27, 98039 Taormina (MESSINA), Ph. +39 0942 23112 , Fax +39 0942 628515 [http://www.villailglicinetaormina.com/]. The Villa Il Glicine is a group of family sized luxury apartments with private terraces and facilities and the services of the nearby 3 star Hotel Jonic for extra convenience. Full kitchen facilities and home comforts are all provided in this brand new structure.

*'''Hotel Villa Schuler''', Piazzetta Bastione/Via Roma, I-98039 Taormina. Ph. +39 0942 23481 (''Fax +39 0942 23522''), [http://www.hotelvillaschuler.com/en/index.htm]. Spectacular and unique views of Mt.Etna and frontal view of the bay of Naxos. Surrounded by its own extensive gardens. Central and quiet position, conveniently located to all major attractions. Easily reachable by car and one of the few hotels in the medieval historic town centre of Taormina to have its own garage with valet parking service. 21 spacious rooms and 5 Junior Suites with scenic views, 24H room service, parking, garages, solarium, sport activities and shuttle-service to the hotel-beach. Free wi-fi. Doubles from 138€ Special offers updated online with low season periods also from 79€.

*'''Hotel Villa Schuler''', Piazzetta Bastione/Via Roma, I-98039 Taormina. Ph. +39 0942 23481 (''Fax +39 0942 23522''), [http://www.hotelvillaschuler.com/en/index.htm]. Spectacular and unique views of Mt.Etna and frontal view of the bay of Naxos. Surrounded by its own extensive gardens. Central and quiet position, conveniently located to all major attractions. Easily reachable by car and one of the few hotels in the medieval historic town centre of Taormina to have its own garage with valet parking service. 21 spacious rooms and 5 Junior Suites with scenic views, 24H room service, parking, garages, solarium, sport activities and shuttle-service to the hotel-beach. Free wi-fi. Doubles from 138€ Special offers updated online with low season periods also from 79€.

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*'''Hotel Taodomus, Taormina, Sicily, Italy''', Corso Umberto, 224, I-98039 Taormina. Tel. 0039 (0)942 62 83 15 - Fax 0039 (0) 942 62 44 46 www.taodomushoteltaormina.com [http://www.hoteltaodomustaormina.com/english/index.htm]. Situated in the very historical centre, just in Taormina’s main street, the Taodomus hotel gives to his guest the chance to taste the magic atmosphere of Sicily, made of history, culture, art, shopping and nightlife. The Taodomus hotel Taormina, the best place for people who want to relax in a refined, quiet and welcoming space, is located between piazza del Duomo, with its famous baroque fountain, and Porta Catania, where Taormina’s main street, Corso Umberto I di Taormina, begins.

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*'''Hotel Taodomus, Taormina, Sicily, Italy''', Corso Umberto, 224, I-98039 Taormina. Tel. +39 0942 628315 - Fax +39 0942 624446 www.taodomushoteltaormina.com [http://www.hoteltaodomustaormina.com/english/index.htm]. Situated in the very historical centre, just in Taormina’s main street, the Taodomus hotel gives to his guest the chance to taste the magic atmosphere of Sicily, made of history, culture, art, shopping and nightlife. The Taodomus hotel Taormina, the best place for people who want to relax in a refined, quiet and welcoming space, is located between piazza del Duomo, with its famous baroque fountain, and Porta Catania, where Taormina’s main street, Corso Umberto I di Taormina, begins.

* <sleep name="Hotel Imperiale" alt="" address="via Circonvallazione, 11 - 98039 - Taormina (ME)" directions="" phone="+39 0942 625202" email="info@hotelimperiale.com" fax="+39 0942 625978" url="http://www.hotelimperiale.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="">Located in the heart of Taormina's historic centre, the historic Hotel Imperiale was built at the beginning of the 20th century and reopened in 2009 after restructuring works. The design and the restructuring has been carried out in full observance of the styles and local materials, such as the widely used volcanic stone, and has been adapted to modern requirements.</sleep>

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*'''Hotel Méditerranée ''', Via Circonvallazione, 61, Tel. +39 0942 23901• Fax: +39 0942 21231 [http://www.hotelmediterraneetaormina.com]. Top quality 4 star hotel overlooking the sea from a great height, with outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and large meeting facilities plus the option to use the private beach of the sister hotel on the coast.

*'''Hotel Villa Sant Andrea''', The Hotel Villa Sant'Andrea is ideally located on the bay of Mazzarò, in the immediate proximity of Taormina.

*'''Hotel Villa Sant Andrea''', The Hotel Villa Sant'Andrea is ideally located on the bay of Mazzarò, in the immediate proximity of Taormina.

It was built in 1830 by an aristocratic British family, and was transformed into a hotel in 1950. It's the ideal centre to admire the artistic and natural beauties of Eastern Sicily, Castelmola, Naxos and the Alcantara's Gorges, Etna Mountain, the baroque Acireale, and of course Catania and Siracusa.

It was built in 1830 by an aristocratic British family, and was transformed into a hotel in 1950. It's the ideal centre to admire the artistic and natural beauties of Eastern Sicily, Castelmola, Naxos and the Alcantara's Gorges, Etna Mountain, the baroque Acireale, and of course Catania and Siracusa.

Line 113:

Line 132:

*'''[[Castelmola]]''' - a hilltop village 5km above Taormina with even better views. Several buses up (you can walk down if you have time).

*'''[[Castelmola]]''' - a hilltop village 5km above Taormina with even better views. Several buses up (you can walk down if you have time).

*Plenty of agencies offer day trips to [[Mount Etna]]. You are not allowed to walk right to the top unless you have a guide (and possibly not even then, depending on the state of the eruptive activity), but the lava flows are impressive. It is over 3000m high, so wear warm clothes - it can be cold even in summer, and the top is often covered in cloud.

*Plenty of agencies offer day trips to [[Mount Etna]]. You are not allowed to walk right to the top unless you have a guide (and possibly not even then, depending on the state of the eruptive activity), but the lava flows are impressive. It is over 3000m high, so wear warm clothes - it can be cold even in summer, and the top is often covered in cloud.

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[[Novara di Sicilia]] - Located in the provence of Messina on the northern side of Mt. Etna, this picturesque medieval town is nestled in the mountains overlooking ancient Tyndaris and Abacaenum. It is the archetype of a typical medieval town, with its friendly and accommodating people who speak a distinctive dialect.

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{{IsIn|Sicily}}

{{IsIn|Sicily}}

Revision as of 15:17, 13 July 2013

Taormina is a charming hillside town on the east coast of Sicily, Italy and is one of the island's main tourist resorts. Whilst Taormina can be hot and busy during July and August, crowded with Italian tourists, it is far more pleasant and (slightly) less busy during the rest of the year.

Many package tourists stay at the nearby beach resorts of Giardini Naxos (below Taormina on the coastline, some 3 km away to the south) and Letojanni about 5 km to the north..

Contents

Get in

By train

Regular trains to and from Messina and Catania. However the station (called Taormina-Giardini) is on the seafront 2km below the centre. There are some buses taking you to Taormina(cost is around 1,70 euros), but it's often more convenient to take a long-distance bus from the centre straight to or from your destination. Walking from the station is scenic but exhausting.

By bus

Regular buses to and from Messina and Catania. Ticket for express bus from Catania Bus Station costs around 3,70 Euros. Catania airport to Taormina bus station at Via Luigi Pirandello is € 7.90 per person. A taxi to the center of Taormina, which is uphill is approx € 10.00

By plane

Look for flights to Catania. There you can rent a car to get to Taormina.

As an alternative, to avoid any inconvenience on arrival you can book a private transfer online upfront. There is a company, which offer this service from Catania airport, such as:

123Transfers has Catania Fontanarossa Airport to Taormina at €86.62 for a Mercedes E class, €100.50 for a minivan

By Ship

Cruise ships occasionally visit, but must anchor/moor offshore. Passengers bus or taxi up to the town.

Get around

By foot

The main street of Taormina is pedestrianised, making it easy to wander around by foot.

By car

If coming in by car, you may enter the town center only to go to a hotel or a rented house: local police may require to see proof of booking. In alternative, it's better to park the car at one of the 2 large public parkings ('Parcheggio Lumbi' or "Parcheggio Porta Catania") that you encounter on the outskirts of the city coming in. From there, either walk to the city center (just 2 min from 'Parcheggio Porta Catania'/around 10 min but uphill from 'Parcheggio Lumbi') or catch the shuttle buses running continously to the center.

However, there are regular shuttle buses down to Giardini-Naxos, the train station, Letojanni and up to Castelmola.

There is also a frequent Cable Car down to the beach at Mazarro. The cable car runs from 8am till 1am during the summer months.

See

Teatro Greco - impressive open-air (mainly Roman(!)) theatre, with great views up and down the coast and across to Mount Etna. Entrance fee €8.00.

The Torre dell'Orogio clock tower.

Do

Wander up and down the main street - Corso Umberto I taking in the sights

Purchase a mulberry ("gelsi" in Italian) granite, or other delicious ice cream

Buy

There are plenty of souvenir shops. The Limoncello - a sweet lemon alcoholic drink served chilled after a meal is refreshing and sold widely.

Eat

Taormina has plenty of restaurants. The Spada - Swordfish is recommended. Though tourists should remember that Swordfish numbers are in decline and eating them may accelerate their demise.

Arancini in Corso, 2 Piazzetta Leone, ☎+39 0392 859 9198. Traditional and creative takes on arancini and other Sicilian street food. Recently opened by two young women entrepreneurs (CURRENTLY CLOSED).

Ristorante pizzeria Mirage, Via Roma 13. Located on a terrace just next to the hotel Monte Tauro. Excellent food, good service and a spectacular view of the Naxos bay with Mount Etna on the background.

Al Paladino (Taormina Restaurant), Naumachie, 12, ☎(+39) 0942 24614, [2]. The restaurant "Tavern at Paladino" is located in the beautiful Taormina, in the historical Naumachia.

La Tavernetta (Taormina Restaurant), Timoleone, 12, ☎(+39) 0942 23378, [3]. On the ancient and suggestive stairway of street Timoleone, in proximity of the Greek Theater, it leans out, The Tavernetta, a restaurant from the typical and refined taste.

Grand Hotel Timeo, Via Teatro Greco, 59, + 39 0942 23801 [11]. In 1906 it housed the Grand Hotel Timeo Guillermo II of Hohenzollern, Duke of Prussia and the Emperor of Germany, and in his honour the most prestigious suite in the hotel is dedicated to him. It is located in a park approximately 20.000 metres squared. Other NH Hotels in Taormina[12]

Hotel Villa Caterina, Via Silipigni, 17, 98039 Taormina (MESSINA), Ph. +39 0942 24709, Fax +39 0942 24709 [13]. Among the sweet scents and colors of Sicily, a warm hospitality in a dream setting. A splendid villa immersed in greenery, just a few steps away from the sea and the old town center of Taormina. Twin room from 102€.

Hotel Villa Gaia, Via Fazzello, 34, 98039 Taormina (MESSINA), Ph. +39 0942 23185, Fax +39 0942 23185 [14]. The 2** Hotel Villa Gaia is situated in the historic center of Taormina, just 30 meters from the Duomo, a splendid example of sixteenth-century Gothic architecture, and the famous Corso Umberto I, the most elegant street in the city, with its high fashion boutiques and antique shops. Single room from 85€, double from 120€.

Hotel Villa Il Glicine, Viale S. Pancrazio 25-27, 98039 Taormina (MESSINA), Ph. +39 0942 23112 , Fax +39 0942 628515 [15]. The Villa Il Glicine is a group of family sized luxury apartments with private terraces and facilities and the services of the nearby 3 star Hotel Jonic for extra convenience. Full kitchen facilities and home comforts are all provided in this brand new structure.

Hotel Villa Schuler, Piazzetta Bastione/Via Roma, I-98039 Taormina. Ph. +39 0942 23481 (Fax +39 0942 23522), [16]. Spectacular and unique views of Mt.Etna and frontal view of the bay of Naxos. Surrounded by its own extensive gardens. Central and quiet position, conveniently located to all major attractions. Easily reachable by car and one of the few hotels in the medieval historic town centre of Taormina to have its own garage with valet parking service. 21 spacious rooms and 5 Junior Suites with scenic views, 24H room service, parking, garages, solarium, sport activities and shuttle-service to the hotel-beach. Free wi-fi. Doubles from 138€ Special offers updated online with low season periods also from 79€.

Hotel Taodomus, Taormina, Sicily, Italy, Corso Umberto, 224, I-98039 Taormina. Tel. +39 0942 628315 - Fax +39 0942 624446 www.taodomushoteltaormina.com [17]. Situated in the very historical centre, just in Taormina’s main street, the Taodomus hotel gives to his guest the chance to taste the magic atmosphere of Sicily, made of history, culture, art, shopping and nightlife. The Taodomus hotel Taormina, the best place for people who want to relax in a refined, quiet and welcoming space, is located between piazza del Duomo, with its famous baroque fountain, and Porta Catania, where Taormina’s main street, Corso Umberto I di Taormina, begins.

Hotel Imperiale, via Circonvallazione, 11 - 98039 - Taormina (ME), ☎+39 0942 625202 (info@hotelimperiale.com, fax: +39 0942 625978), [24]. Located in the heart of Taormina's historic centre, the historic Hotel Imperiale was built at the beginning of the 20th century and reopened in 2009 after restructuring works. The design and the restructuring has been carried out in full observance of the styles and local materials, such as the widely used volcanic stone, and has been adapted to modern requirements.

Hotel Méditerranée , Via Circonvallazione, 61, Tel. +39 0942 23901• Fax: +39 0942 21231 [25]. Top quality 4 star hotel overlooking the sea from a great height, with outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and large meeting facilities plus the option to use the private beach of the sister hotel on the coast.

Hotel Villa Sant Andrea, The Hotel Villa Sant'Andrea is ideally located on the bay of Mazzarò, in the immediate proximity of Taormina.

It was built in 1830 by an aristocratic British family, and was transformed into a hotel in 1950. It's the ideal centre to admire the artistic and natural beauties of Eastern Sicily, Castelmola, Naxos and the Alcantara's Gorges, Etna Mountain, the baroque Acireale, and of course Catania and Siracusa.
0.

Get out

Castelmola - a hilltop village 5km above Taormina with even better views. Several buses up (you can walk down if you have time).

Plenty of agencies offer day trips to Mount Etna. You are not allowed to walk right to the top unless you have a guide (and possibly not even then, depending on the state of the eruptive activity), but the lava flows are impressive. It is over 3000m high, so wear warm clothes - it can be cold even in summer, and the top is often covered in cloud.

Novara di Sicilia - Located in the provence of Messina on the northern side of Mt. Etna, this picturesque medieval town is nestled in the mountains overlooking ancient Tyndaris and Abacaenum. It is the archetype of a typical medieval town, with its friendly and accommodating people who speak a distinctive dialect.